Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP), Atiku Abubakar has said that President Muhammadu Buhari is planning to use the military to intimidate voters during the 2019 election.

This is coming after the APC President, after the postponement of the presidential election, said that snatchers of ballot boxes will pay with their lives.

Atiku made this known in a statement by his special assistant on public communication, Phrank Shaibu, on Monday, February 18.

He alleged that the president’s statement proves he has no regard for the laws of the country and is inciting violence ahead of the general elections.

“We were shocked to hear General Buhari live on national television threatening to kill people for an offense where no such proscription exists under law. The last time we looked, the death-penalty was not a sanction of the 2010 Election Act. In fact, threatening people with death in the context of an election is incitement to electoral violence, which is an offense under that Act.

“The reason the APC-controlled federal government will want to deploy the military is not to stem the rising cases of violence, but for the simple reason that the APC wants to use the military to intimidate the opposition and pave the way for rigging.”

He added that President Buhari is not a democrat, adding that he is mistaking his current position for his former military position.

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Adams Oshiomhole, has called for the reshuffling of some INEC officials. This suspicion is coming as a result of the postponement of the February 2019 election. The APC chairman made this call on Monday, February 18, at a caucus meeting of the party in Abuja, Premium Times reports. […]

Gunmen dressed like military men have reportedly attacked an INEC vehicle transporting election related materials in Benue state. This attack which happened today, February 14 was reported by the state INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda. According to him, the vehicle was conveying non-sensitive election materials to one of the LGAs in the […]

Ahead of the 2019 elections, 8,000 members of the All Progressive Congress(APC) have defected to the opposition, People’s Democratic Party(PDP) in Sokoto. The defectors were received by the campaign train of Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal in Wamakko local government on Wednesday, February 6, Nigerian Tribune reports. The PDP governor assured the people that he would […]

Ahead of the 2019 elections, 8,000 members of the All Progressive Congress(APC) have defected to the opposition, People’s Democratic Party(PDP) in Sokoto.

The defectors were received by the campaign train of Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal in Wamakko local government on Wednesday, February 6, Nigerian Tribune reports.

The PDP governor assured the people that he would engage in more projects that would bring development.

Also in attendance was the former governor of the state, Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu.

According to him, the political condemnation of the APC in the state is not just from PDP members but from everyone.

“This is a Clarion call to for the development of our State and the country at large. I urge all of you to tell your friends and relatives, vote for all the candidates of the PDP in the forthcoming general elections,” he said.

]]>https://www.gist36.com/politics/02/2019/8000-apc-members-defect-to-pdp-in-sokoto/feed/0Atliku Says There is A Plot Against His Associateshttps://www.gist36.com/politics/02/2019/atliku-says-there-is-a-plot-against-his-associates/
https://www.gist36.com/politics/02/2019/atliku-says-there-is-a-plot-against-his-associates/#respondFri, 08 Feb 2019 13:08:51 +0000https://www.gist36.com/?p=14110

It is few days to the 2019 presidential election and Atiku Abubakar has raised alarm over a plot against his winning the election. The People’s Democratic Party(PDP) presidential aspirant said that there is a plot to arrest some of his key associates. The former vice-president in a statement issued in Abuja by his special assistant on […]

It is few days to the 2019 presidential election and Atiku Abubakar has raised alarm over a plot against his winning the election.

The People’s Democratic Party(PDP) presidential aspirant said that there is a plot to arrest some of his key associates.

The former vice-president in a statement issued in Abuja by his special assistant on public communication, Phrank Shaibu, accused an unnamed governor from northeast and a prominent minister in the current administration of working in cahoots with APC to achieve the plot.

According to him, the arrest is a plan by the APC to maneuver the electoral process.

The statement read: ”The architects of this plot believe that unless the APC destabilizes the main opposition party and gets rid of the key associates of the PDP presidential candidate, President Buhari’s plan to clinch a second term in office will be in jeopardy, especially as they are afraid, for obvious reasons that the president has become unpopular and won’t be reelected at the poll.

”The first step in this desperate plot is to arrest some of our associates using the EFCC with others soon to follow, based on a list that has been drawn up by the cabal.”

Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka has endorsed presidential candidate of the Young Democratic Party (YDP), Kingsley Moghalu ahead of the 2019 presidential elections. The professor believes that it is time to let go off the old, advising Nigerians not to vote for the PDP or APC. He declared his support for the former deputy governor of the […]

]]>https://www.gist36.com/politics/02/2019/wole-soyinka-endorses-moghalu-as-presidential-candidate/feed/0Only Those Who Do Not Wish Nigeria Well Will Support APC- Peter Obihttps://www.gist36.com/politics/02/2019/only-those-who-do-not-wish-nigeria-well-will-support-apc-peter-obi/
https://www.gist36.com/politics/02/2019/only-those-who-do-not-wish-nigeria-well-will-support-apc-peter-obi/#respondWed, 06 Feb 2019 11:33:47 +0000https://www.gist36.com/?p=14076

Vice-presidential aspirant, Peter Obi has said ‘only those who do not wish Nigeria well are still supporting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’. The former Anambra state governor said this during a road show campaign in Awka, the state capital on February 5. The campaign which welcomed a massive audience was to create awareness for the […]

Vice-presidential aspirant, Peter Obi has said ‘only those who do not wish Nigeria well are still supporting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’.

The former Anambra state governor said this during a road show campaign in Awka, the state capital on February 5.

The campaign which welcomed a massive audience was to create awareness for the PDP candidate, in view of the February 2019 election.

Obi advised his people to vote for the PDP in the forth coming election in order to empower Alhaji Abubakar Atiku.

He added that Atiku has the experience and expertise to make Nigeria work again.

“The groups are endorsing us because they are seeing the reality. Nigerians have seen that the present government does not have the capacity to govern Nigeria. I want to assure you that more endorsements will come because people are not happy with this government.

“We have a country that is collapsing and it is up to Nigerians to know who to choose. If you think what you are getting in the last three years is okay, then you remain where you are, but I know it is not okay. Our country is now worse.

“The condition of Nigeria should worry everyone. We have a very bad record on insecurity; we have moved from number seven to number three on insecurity. After Afghanistan, it is Iraq and we are the number three and this shameful situation should worry all Nigerians.

“We now have the highest number of poor people living on the surface of the earth in Nigeria and it should also worry all Nigerians,” he said.

In view of the 2019 presidential elections scheduled for February, President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived Kano in continuation of his across-the-country re-election campaigns .

Reports from the News Agency of Nigeria shows that Mr. President landed at exactly 12: 55 pm at the 303 Nigerian Air Force Flying Training School Base, Kano State.‎

The massive audience that graced the president’s Kano campaign today is one of the most talked on even on Twitter

The All Progressive Congress(APC) president was received by Gov. v of Kano State, Gov. Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State, Minister of Aviation and Director General, APC Presidential Campaign Council, Rotimi Amaechi‎.

Others include Kano Business Mogul, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Governors of Zinder and Maradi in Niger Republic and members of State and National Assembly.‎

‎The president is expected to address a gathering of party supporters at the Sani Abacha Stadium at Kofar-Mata in Kano State, to seek support for his re-election in the February 16, presidential election.

Thousands of APC supporters singing solidarity songs and displaying various party insignia had thronged the streets of Kano State since morning to welcome President Buhari to the ancient city.

]]>https://www.gist36.com/politics/01/2019/massive-crowd-graces-buharis-kano-campaign/feed/0Nigerians React To Picture Of President Buhari Working In His Officehttps://www.gist36.com/politics/01/2019/nigerians-react-to-picture-of-president-buhari-working-in-his-office/
https://www.gist36.com/politics/01/2019/nigerians-react-to-picture-of-president-buhari-working-in-his-office/#respondMon, 28 Jan 2019 15:51:21 +0000https://www.gist36.com/?p=12836

President Muhammadu Buhari Nigerians have reacted to a picture of President Muhammadu Buhari working in his office which the president shared on his social media page. The picture stirred both praise and criticism from Nigerians. Many attacked him while some praised the president who is also currently working towards a possible re-election. See reactions […]

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday met behind closed doors with Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka of the Adoration Ministry Enugu, at the State House, Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mbaka, who came into the villa in a private maroon BMW car, was accompanied by a lady. The outcome of the meeting between the […]

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Timi Frank, has asked the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Adejare Adeboye, to sanction Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, for his silence despite the injustice in his administration.

He said this in a statement sent to PoliticsNGR on Monday, January 28 in the highlight of the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Walter Onnoghen by the President.

He added that despite the fact that he does not want to judge the vice president as he is also an ordained pastor in the RCCG, the interest of Christian community in the country is threatened.

According to him, Pastor Osinbajo, because of political power, has “suddenly become Galatian for crumbs” therefore keeping quiet amidst injustices in the country.

Frank queried Prof. Osinbajo, who is also a legal luminary to tell the world his position and the role he played in what he described as “illegality.”

He said Osinbajo’s laud silence is embarrassing to the Christian community who expected him not only to protect their interests but to ensure justices, speaks the truth and ensure that he is an ambassador of Christ in government.

According to him, nobody is asking Osinbajo to defend Christian who have committed an offence but to distinguish himself and always speak the truth to the authority even though he is part of it.

“Pastor Adeboye should know that Osinbajo is misrepresenting the RCCG in government as one of the ordained pastors in the ministry, so he needs to be called to order.

“The word of God says that people rejoice when righteous is in power’ but can the same be said of Osinbajo and Buhari today?

“Pastor Osinbajo should respect his faith and not the power that be. Like biblical prophets; Isaiah, Hezekiah and others, Osinbajo should speak the truth and shame the devil because his fear of losing political power seems to have beclouded the Redeemed pastor.

“Disgracefully, at a time the whole world is waiting to hear Osinbajo’s opinion on the suspension of CJN, even as a lawyer he has suddenly gone quiet but if it is time to illegally buy votes through sharing of tradermoney in the market, the Redeem pastor will be in the forefront,” Frank stated.

The All Progressive Congres(APC) Lagos State gubernatorial candidate for Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was verbally harassed by a lady on Sunday. This was during an interactive session Sanwo-Olu had with Lagosians as part of his election campaign activities. He had granted the people present an opportunity to ask questions on his plans for the state […]

The All Progressive Congres(APC) Lagos State gubernatorial candidate for Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was verbally harassed by a lady on Sunday.

This was during an interactive session Sanwo-Olu had with Lagosians as part of his election campaign activities.

He had granted the people present an opportunity to ask questions on his plans for the state should he win the governorship election.

However, during the question and answer session, a lady caused quite a stir when she verbally harassed him while she was asking her question and trying to air her view on issues bothering residents of the state.

The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has removed Governor Rochas Okorocha as Imo state campaign coordinator. This is coming few days after the Mathew Omegara chaired committee summoned Okorocha and six others to appear before it. Okorocha’s removal as campaign coordinator was confirmed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre […]

The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has removed Governor Rochas Okorocha as Imo state campaign coordinator.

This is coming few days after the Mathew Omegara chaired committee summoned Okorocha and six others to appear before it.

Okorocha’s removal as campaign coordinator was confirmed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu.

He disclosed that the party’s decision followed the recommendation of the disciplinary committee set up by the Imo APC over allegations of anti-party activities leveled against the governor and others.

According to Punch, he said: “What has happened in Imo shows that the APC means business. Once they have complied with all the rules, no problem. When they bring the recommendation to the NWC, we will look at it.”

“The APC had directed governors to take over the campaign of the party in the state. Where it has no governor, it directed governorship candidate to take over. Since Okorocha has displayed anti-party traits, you can’t expect him to be part of our strategic meetings again.”

“The party should be appreciated that it is possible to query a governor and recommend him for suspension,” he added.

President Muhammadu Buhari has today signed Executive Order 007 of 2019 on the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme. The signing was done at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The new order will allow private companies such as Dangote group, Unilver, Lafarge Africa and the rest to construct major […]

“Mr. Nlemigbo remains the only recognised Imo State Chairman and any decision which do not emanate from this recognised Caretaker Committee as regards the affairs of the APC in Imo State is null and void.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that the expulsion of its Imo State governorship candidate, Hope Uzodinma, from the party is null and void as the decision did not come from the state’s recognised committee.

The party made this known in a statement by the it’s national publicity secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu, on Thursday night.

According to APC, its committee set up in the state is recognised and can take such a decision.

“Mr. Nlemigbo remains the only recognised Imo State Chairman and any decision which do not emanate from this recognised Caretaker Committee as regards the affairs of the APC in Imo State is null and void,” he said.

The dissolved executive of the party led by Daniel Nwafor, had on Thursday announced the expulsion of Mr Uzodinma for ‘anti-party activities’.

The executive was earlier dissolved by the party headquarters on the grounds that it could not be trusted to lead the party to victory in the forthcoming general elections.

This was because of their involvement in several alleged anti-party activities.

They were seen to be loyal to the state governor, Rochas Okorocha, who has been having running battles with the national leadership of the party over his failed attempt to prop us his son-in-law as party’s governorship candidate.

The party therefore set up a caretaker committee led by Marcelinus Nlemigbo to run the affairs of the party in the state.

Mr Okorocha has since been suspended by the ruling party.

Meanwhile, the party also pointed out it would not tolerate indiscipline from any member of the party under any guise.

The APC, noting the NWC is paying keen attention to events as they unfold in Imo State, said the party would always take appropriate measures to protect its interests.

In the list presented to President Buhari, the Igbos demanded he appoint a Southeasterner as Inspector-General of Police (IGP); stop Boko Haram’s insurgency and herders-farmers clashes; and address marginalisation claims made by some regions.

South-East leaders have on Thursday 24th January clamored for Federal appointments from President Muhammadu Buhari to prove the Igbos have not been marginalized in the current administration.

They made this request known during the president’s election campaign in Onitsha, the thriving business centre of Anambra state.

In the list presented to President Buhari, the Igbos demanded he appoint a Southeasterner as Inspector-General of Police (IGP); stop Boko Haram’s insurgency and herders-farmers clashes; and address marginalisation claims made by some regions.

In his campaign, President Buhari also inaugurated the Mausoleum of first republic president, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe in Onitsha, which his administration completed after years of abandonment by previous governments.

Before inaugurating the mausoleum and the courtesy visit to the Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Achebe, the President was welcomed to the state by Governor Willie Obiano.

The first port of call for the President and his entourage, comprising Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and some ministers, were the Obi of Onitsha’s palace, where Igwe Achebe, received them in the company of members of his cabinet.

In line with the Onitsha tradition, Igwe Sunday Okafor spoke for the Obi of Onitsha.

He prayed for Buhari’s success and tabled the requests, which are believed to be the Southeast’s.

He also reminded him of the appointment of a Southeasterner into the Security Council.

The monarch praised Governor Willie Obiano for seeing that the Inosi Onira compound of the late Owelle Azikiwe was kept in good shape.

Buhari said the inauguration of the mausoleum confirmed Anambra as his home and one of his strongholds.

He said: “I have nothing to say than to remind you of the situation we met this country, and the promises we made to you.

“So, the best we can do for our country is to return the APC to power. The biggest gift we can give to our country is security and sufficiency of economic prosperity.”

The President said the APC administration had so far addressed the security situation in the country, regional development and equal ministerial appointment.

He said the economy was recovering and the country on the track of development.

The President said: “The larger population is made up of youths between the ages of 35 and below. Nigeria has lots of work to do, to get you employment.

“We have stopped spending our foreign reserve to import rice; there is sufficiency in rice and we now produce it locally, including the Anambra rice.”

Buhari said the mandate given to him by Nigerians required their support, especially for peace and economic development. He said his administration would use all recovered looted funds for the well-being of the citizens.

He, however, promised that his administration, if re-elected on February 16, will continue to make life easier for all by fighting corruption and insecurity.

Buhari said: “The anti-corruption fight is difficult in the current democratic dispensation, compared to the period I was a military Head of State, when those who looted the economy were arrested and prosecuted.”

The President said he had reached an agreement with militants in the Niger Delta on how to protect and ensure safety of natural resources.

He also said the government was tackling kidnapping for ransom, herders/farmers clashes, armed banditry and remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents.

Buhari, therefore, called on the Anambra people to vote for all APC candidates in the forthcoming general elections to enable the party complete all ongoing projects across the country, particularly in the Southeast.

The wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Mrs. Aisha Buhari has been reported to be ill and as such less involved in the president’s re-election campaign. This was as in a report by TheCable, stating that Mrs. Buhari is currently abroad for medical reasons, although her office has refused to confirm or deny the speculation. TheCable […]

The wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Mrs. Aisha Buhari has been reported to be ill and as such less involved in the president’s re-election campaign.

This was as in a report by TheCable, stating that Mrs. Buhari is currently abroad for medical reasons, although her office has refused to confirm or deny the speculation.

TheCable reports that they were not able to get information concerning Mrs. Buhari’s whereabouts from Suleiman Haruna, media aide to the president’s wife as he said he did not have any comments.

“Honestly, honestly, I don’t have any comment on that. People have been calling me. I don’t have any comment on that,” Haruna said.

Speaking with TheCable on Wednesday, a presidency source explained that the president’s wife has not been seen campaigning for her husband “because she is ill”.

“For about two weeks now, you will observe that the president’s wife has not been campaigning. She is ill and she has travelled abroad for treatment,” the source said.

TheCable understands that she will be back by Monday.

Earlier in the month, Buhari’s wife set up a 700-member team for her husband’s second term bid.

The large team, mainly made up of women, was inaugurated by the president on January 4 at Aso Rock.

At the event, she explained that her team would serve as a support to the main campaign council co-chaired by Bola Tinubu, former Lagos governor and a national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“It will operate as a sister body with necessary legwork and outreach and will mobilise women and youths across the country,” the president’s wife said.

She then led her team to a rally in Kano state on January 5.

But that was about the last time she was seen in public working for her husband’s reelection bid.

On January 12, her team arrived Owerri, Imo state, to campaign but she was absent.

Aisha was represented by Dolapo, co-chairperson of the team and wife to Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

Although she has been critical of some Buhari’s inner circle, she has openly supported her husband’s quest for a second term in office.

Following the news of presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria(ACPN), Oby Ezekwesili’s withdrawal from the elections, Nigerians have expressed different shades of opinion on the matter.

Ezekwesili had re;eased a statement on Twitter and her website, explaining her decision to quit the election race.

According to her, she wants to right the wrongs in the country by supporting a coalition that neither supports the APC nor the PDP.

“My commitment in this regard has been consistent and in consonance with my agreement, at the request of candidates under Presidential Aspirants Coming Together (PACT) in 2018, to supervise their internal selection process as an outside observer passionate about building this alternative force. Despite disagreements within the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria on these and other issues, I have decided that it is now necessary to show by action and example my determination on this issue by stepping down my candidacy and focusing on building the coalition once and for all,” the statement read in part.

Her withdrawal, only a few weeks before the election has generated multiple reactions from observers and regular Nigerians alike.

See reactions below:

I have always believed that leadership is about service & sacrifice & today, I would like to commend Dr. (Mrs) Oby Ezekwesili @obyezeks for leading the charge to forming a viable coalition to presenting a Consensus Candidate for the 2019 Presidential elections. pic.twitter.com/t0CpW067tG

I’ve always said it, the easiest way to defeat this #APCPDP dominance, is only if Oby Ezekwesili , Fela Durotoye, Kingsley Moghalu and Omoyele Sowore all join forces, instead of sharing their votes amongst one another. After all, they are all in it for the progress of the nation.

Oby Ezekwesili, the Presidential Candidate of ACPN, has chickened out.

After watching The mammoth crowd that continues to receive Mr. Integrity across the nation, she has pulled out of the Presidential Race, letting her followers down.@MBuhari will never let us down. pic.twitter.com/EXzphsYxFy

I have always believed that leadership is about service & sacrifice & today, I would like to commend Dr. (Mrs) Oby Ezekwesili @obyezeks for leading the charge to forming a viable coalition to presenting a Consensus Candidate for the 2019 Presidential elections. pic.twitter.com/t0CpW067tG

A Federal High Court sitting in Owerri, the Imo state capital has today issued a bench warrant for the arrest of members of the Adams Oshiomhole- recognized Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State. Giving the order to the commissioner of police for their arrest, the presiding Judge, Justice M. T […]

A Federal High Court sitting in Owerri, the Imo state capital has today issued a bench warrant for the arrest of members of the Adams Oshiomhole- recognized Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State.

The Judge said they should be arrested for assaulting a bailiff, Nwawi Ogugua, who came to serve Court proceedings on members of the Committee in their factional office.

Justice Salihu ordered that all the members of the Committee, excluding one, Enyinnaya Onuegbu, who was the only person in Court, should be arrested and brought before the Court on January 31.

They are to explain why they should not be committed to prison for attacking an officer of the Court who was carrying out his legitimate duties.

It will be recalled the bailiff who had gone to serve Court Summons on the Caretaker Committee members was beaten to a pulp by thugs at the instance allegedly at the instance chairman of the Committee.

Narrating his ordeal, the plaintiff, said that he escaped death by the whiskers after thugs attacked him at the factional APC office, where he went to serve Court Summons on the Caretaker Committee members.

He said: “When I got to the office along Okigwe road, the moment I introduced myself and why I was there, some youths were asked to throw me out.

“It was then that they pounced on me and started beating me like a common criminal. They said they will kill me and nothing will happen”.

The Suit, No. FHC/OW/CS/01/2019 was instituted by the Imo State APC Chairman, Hon Daniel Nwafor, challenging the dissolution of the elected State Executive by the National leadership of the party with the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, the Inspector General of Police and the nine members of the Committee as respondents.

He based his accusation on a recent statement made by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo that Buhari was unaware of the arraignment of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen for defaulting in the declaration of his assets.

Bubu Galadima has alleged that the President Muhammadu Buhari is not in charge of the state of affairs in the country.

The former ally of President Muhammadu Buhari revealed this while speaking on a TV programme on AIT.

He based his accusation on a recent statement made by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo that Buhari was unaware of the arraignment of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen for defaulting in the declaration of his assets.

“The president doesn’t know what happens around him and this is coming from the Vice President when he told us that the president doesn’t even know (Onnoghen’s prosecution). Arraigning a Chief Justice of the Federation, the president doesn’t know. Some people might be playing on his intelligence.

“So what I’m saying is that now a confirmation has come to us from no other person than the Vice President of the federal Republic of Nigeria that the president didn’t even know that this was happening. And those of us who have been in government know that nobody, from a minister, to a governor, to a former Head of State or their spouses can be arraigned in court or can be taken to (the) EFCC or ICPC without the approval of Mr. President.

“So it means that the President even signed the arraignment of the Chief Justice and he didn’t know, Nigerians you are in trouble. And this is the kind of person that is presenting himself for you to elect as the President of Nigeria”

Following the withdrawal of presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Dr. Oby Ezekwesili from the 2019 elections, the party has declared it’s support for President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ezekwesili had announced her decision to step down on Thursday, saying she would support a coalition that would wrest power from APC or PDP.

Gani Galadima, national chairman of the party while speaking with journalists, said Ezekwesili only wanted to use the ACPN platform to negotiate to be finance minister.

The Cable reports that Galadima said the former minister did not show seriousness in her campaign.

“The reason for calling this press conference is to let the world know about the presidential aspiration of Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, which in actual fact, is not the truth. I have been put into confidence by one of her aide named Iyinoluwa Aboyeji that she only wanted to use the platform of the ACPN to negotiate to be Nigeria’s finance minister,” he said.

“This she does not deem fit to inform the party whose mandate she is holding. If you observe, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili is the only presidential candidate who was so militant in her campaign without any tangible thing on ground to indicate any seriousness in the prosecution of her campaign.

“No campaign secretariat, billboard or great commitment on ground to indicate any seriousness. It is on this ground that the ACPN is withdrawing support for her presidential aspiration and endorsing the second term bid of President Muhammadu Buhari to take Nigeria to the next level.”

Galadima said she did not inform the party of her decision to withdraw from the race.

He asked her to return to the party all the donations “from all over the world” because the party would have to account to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“We may take her to court. She was just using us to play,” he said.

According to the chairman, the party’s fee for expression of interest and nomination form is N10.5 million but she only offered N100,000.

Following Donald Duke’s case against the result of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP) primaries, the appeal court has declared Donald Duke presidential candidate of the party. Duke, who based his case on the zoning and rotation of the party, was aaginst the declaration of fellow aspirant, Jerry Gana as the presidential candidate of the party. […]

The presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has announced her withdrawal from the presidential race.

She however, opted to help build a coalition to defeat the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party in the February 16, 2019 election.

A statement issued on Thursday morning by the spokesperson for Obiageli Ezekwesili Presidential Campaign Organisation, Ozioma Ubabukoh, said she took the decision after “extensive discussions with Nigerians at home and the Diaspora.”

According to her, the action was also prompted by an examination of the country’s electoral environment sequel to the 2019 presidential debate of Saturday, January 19, 2019.

The statement reads, “This decision followed extensive consultations with leaders from various walks of life across the country over the past few days. I deem it necessary for me to focus on helping to build a veritable coalition to ensure a viable alternative to the #APCPDP in the forthcoming elections.

“It is my ardent belief that this broad coalition for a viable alternative has now become more than ever before, an urgent mission for and on behalf of Nigerian citizens. I have therefore chosen to lead the way in demonstrating the much needed patriotic sacrifice for our national revival and redirection.

“I wish to state that over the past three months, I have been in private, but extended talks with other candidates to birth a coalition that would allow Nigerians to exercise their choice without feeling helplessly encumbered by the evil twins of #APCPDP.

“While the deliberations continued, I never hesitated for a moment in my willingness and determination to sacrifice my candidacy in order to facilitate the emergence of the envisaged strong and viable alternative that Nigerians could identify with in our collective search for a new beginning.

“My commitment to this promising political recalibration has been consistent and in consonance with my agreement, at the request of candidates under the Presidential Aspirants Coming Together arrangement in 2018, when I consented to supervise the internal selection process as an outside observer passionate about building an alternative force.

“However, despite resistance from the ACPN on these and other issues, I have decided that it is now necessary to show by action and example my determination on this issue by stepping down my candidacy so as to focus squarely on building the coalition to a logical conclusion.

“We have no right to allow citizens give in to despair. We will #Fight4Naija together and prove to all that the mess, which the political class has now become, should not be allowed to destroy our spirits and nation. We are also determined to ensure that the message keeps resonating that our beloved country deserves better, and that we will get the best that we deserve.

“From last year, when I joined the presidential race, I made it clear to Nigerians that the country has always had a 20-year cycle of change – 1958, 1979, and 1999. As such, 2019 begins another 20-year cycle, and together with all Nigerians of good will, I stand ready to play my part to ensure that we do not miss this golden opportunity to sing a new song. There is no more time to waste. Let’s get to work!”

Ubabukoh thanked Nigerians, including campaign donors and volunteers, who supported Ezekwesili, saying that “every money donated to the campaign and funds spent will be accounted for in the coming days.”

Senate President Bukola Saraki has condemned allegations that presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP). Atiku Abubakar was able to travel to the United States because he posed as his aide.

This is coming after the opposition, All Progressives Congress(APC), said Atiku was allowed to travel to the US because he posed as an aide to Saraki, who is also his campaign director.

He said this while speaking on AIT’s Kakaaki programme on Wednesday.

He described the allegations as nonsensical.

“These are desperate claims. When you are campaigning and you see that you have suffered a setback, just move on and don’t make a fool of yourself. To say the candidate travelled on my merit is not true.

“He applied for his visa, was given the visa and he was invited to attend functions. How do you do that? How do you travel as an aide? That is ridiculous! They know it. It is very difficult for them to respond because they have sold a lot of propaganda and lies to Nigerians.

“I remember when we sat a lot of young people down when we started and introduced him (Atiku) as our candidate and they said they would support him because he has a good agenda for the youth and knows how to create jobs but the concern was that the government said Atiku could not travel to America and how can we have a President that cannot travel to America?

“And he (Atiku) always said it was not a problem but it was important for us to address the problem and put it behind us and because the other party was using it as propaganda, we decided to go to America and instead of them to keep quiet and move on, they say he went as my aide,” he said.

Saraki also lambasted the Buhari-led government for operating an opaque fuel subsidy regime.

The Senate President, who exposed subsidy fraud at the National Assembly in 2011, said the corruption was still taking place.

He admitted that corruption thrived under former President Goodluck Jonathan’s subsidy regime but argued that Buhari’s own was worse because his government was give money to marketers with funds that were not approved by the National Assembly.

]]>https://www.gist36.com/politics/01/2019/saraki-condemns-allegations-that-atiku-traveled-because-he-posed-as-his-aide/feed/0Buhari and Obasanjo Shake Hands at Council of State Meeting Today, See Photoshttps://www.gist36.com/politics/01/2019/buhari-and-obasanjo-shake-hands-at-council-of-state-meeting-today-see-photos/
https://www.gist36.com/politics/01/2019/buhari-and-obasanjo-shake-hands-at-council-of-state-meeting-today-see-photos/#respondTue, 22 Jan 2019 15:08:50 +0000https://www.gist36.com/?p=11581

Head of states, President Buhari and former president, Olusegun Obasanjo wore smiles earlier today as they shook hands too at the Council of State meeting which took place at the state house Abuja. The council of state meeting has past Nigerian Presidents and Heads of States present, and here are photos of Buhari and Obasanjo […]

Nollywood actress, Georgina Onuoha, has sternly kicked against the second term bid of President Muhammadu Buhari.

This is in view of the fast approaching 2019 presidential elections which has heralded debates in that light.

The showbiz entertainer described voting Buhari as a betrayal of justice, freedom and equality.

Posting a clip from the president’s interactive media session which held last week, Georgina wrote;

“This is truly sad .. that he doesn’t NO! And he is my president.That in a nation of almost 200 million people of different tribes that are intellectually gifted, these are the kind of men we in put in charge of the governance of our nation. I cry for my country. It is not enough to have PVC.. it is the notion that we have to pick one of the lesser evil speaks volume.

Bunch of uneducated, visionless and old cabals that have driven this nation into the gutters. How any sane person, will afford Buhari a vote or let alone a second term will be a betrayal of justice, peace, equality and freedom. A man who spent over 80 percent of his current administration in London receiving treatment! Yet he finds it hard to relinquish power. They are not the problem.. we the people are the problem. We are our own worst enemy. And until we emancipate ourselves from this mental slavery, we will keep rotating old cargos with zero vision for the most populous black nation on earth.

]]>https://www.gist36.com/entertainment/01/2019/actress-georgia-onuoha-kicks-against-buharis-re-election/feed/0PMB and OBJ All Smiles in Aso Rock Council of States Meeting(Photos)https://www.gist36.com/politics/01/2019/pmb-and-obj-all-smiles-in-aso-rock-council-of-states-meetingphotos/
https://www.gist36.com/politics/01/2019/pmb-and-obj-all-smiles-in-aso-rock-council-of-states-meetingphotos/#respondTue, 22 Jan 2019 12:59:51 +0000https://www.gist36.com/?p=11528

The meeting is coming few days after Obasanjo accused Buhari of behaving like late Sani Abacha.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday chaired the Council of State meeting holding at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The opportunity afforded him time to meet the former head of interim government, Ernest Shonekan, former presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, former military Head of State, Abdulsalam Abubakar, Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and other members of the council, which consist of past leaders of Nigeria.

The Council of State meeting usually advises the President on the affairs of the country.

The meeting is coming few days after Obasanjo accused Buhari of behaving like late Sani Abacha.

The Akwa-Ibom state division of the Nigerian Labour Congress has endorsed Governor Emmanuel Udom for second term. According to the union, the governor is an achiever who has a friendly disposition towards workers. The state chairman of the NLC, Comrade Etim Ukpong, declared the union’s support for Governor Udom during a consultation visit by the […]

The Akwa-Ibom state division of the Nigerian Labour Congress has endorsed Governor Emmanuel Udom for second term.

According to the union, the governor is an achiever who has a friendly disposition towards workers.

The state chairman of the NLC, Comrade Etim Ukpong, declared the union’s support for Governor Udom during a consultation visit by the state governor at the Workers Solidarity Centre, Atan Offot, Uyo.

The chairman made mention of Udom’s achievements, adding that he has made the state a destination of choice.

Echoing their support for Governor Udom, the chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state, Comrade Akamba Awa commended the governor’s friendly disposition to the workers.

He added that the Christmas bonus paid to the workers had boosted the workers welfare and expressed optimism that the state administration would implement the new minimum wage in the interest of the work force, Legit.ng reports.

He saluted the governor’s humane disposition having given other political parties opportunity to carryout their electioneering campaigns without intimidation, assuring him of victory in the forthcoming general elections.

Comrade Bassey Essien of the United Labour Congress also stated that Governor Udom’s tenure has witnessed relative peace which has enabled industrialisation and other development projects of the state administration to thrive.

The presidential election campaign team of the wife of the president, Aisha Buhari has said that Atiku Abubakar and his campaign director, Bukola Saraki are threats to the stability of Nigeria.

This was as disclosed by the director of media and strategic communication committee of the women and youth presidential campaign team, Abdulmumini Jibrin, Daily Trust reports.

According to him, the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) presidential aspirant and his campaign leader were making efforts to incite the north not to support power transfer to the southern part of the country after President Muhammadu Buhari completes his second term.

He added that the PDP duo are threatening the foundation of peace and security in the country,

“The biggest threat to the stability of this country is the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and the Director-General of Atiku Campaign, Bukola Saraki, who are taking Nigerians for granted by mooting the idea to incite the North not to support power transfer to the southern part of the country after President Muhammadu Buhari completes his second term in a clear attempt to shortchange the southern part of Nigeria.”

“No wonder, the PDP presidential candidate has refused to commit to returning power to the southern part of the country after 2023. This is even after concerted pressure by many of their stakeholders. This is already heating up our polity with combined negative consequences on our economy, security and general development.

“So, if we are talking about the politicians who are threatening the foundation of the peace and security of our country, the cap fits Saraki and Atiku,” he said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has released regulations and guidelines pertaining to the general conduct of the 2019 elections.

The commission made this known signed by the chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu and dated January 12, 2019.

According to INEC in its 33-paged document, the action was an exercise of the powers conferred on it by the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2010.

The document further revealed that the regulations and guidelines covered the general elections, bye-elections, re-run elections, as well as supplementary elections.

It added that these regulations applied to the conduct of the elections for offices of the president and his vice; governor and deputy governor;National Assembly( Senate and House of Representatives), State House of Assembly, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) Area Councils; and Councillors of the FCT Area Councils Legislature.